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Don't wait to tap into your network until you're desperate for a job, Laurie Battaglia writes. "Every interaction is a potential job interview. The best way to get that call for a great new position is to be the first person someone thinks of before they post that opening," she writes.

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Having a bad job can hold many lessons in leadership, handling confrontation and clarifying career goals, career expert Michelle Kruse writes in this blog post. "Having a job that makes you unhappy will cause you to consider the kind of job you really want," Kruse writes.

Outstanding job applicants can answer three questions from recruiters: "Why do you want this job?" "What do we gain by hiring you?" and "How do I know you'll be a good fit?" When answering these questions, be genuine and give specific examples, Peggy Carouthers writes.

Job seekers should be positive and prepared when taking part in online job fairs or networking events, Brazen Careerist co-founder Ryan Healy writes in this blog post. He recommends that candidates have key questions to ask during chats, and that they research employers to target and follow up on leads. "One of the best places to keep that relationship alive is LinkedIn, where the other person will be able to learn more details about your background and easily get in touch down the road if an [opportunity] arises," Healy writes.

Cover letters are still important even when applying for executive jobs, as they provide a chance to introduce yourself and provide some insight into your personality, writes Laura Smith-Proulx, founder of An Expert Resume. "Where cover letters make the most sense is when you’re pitching a company directly –- without a posted job opening," she writes.

Your career progress goes slower if you focus on where you've been and not where you want to go, Alexis Grant writes. For example, your Twitter profile should talk about the job you want, not the jobs you've had, she writes.